The Seattle Seahawks, fresh off their Super Bowl triumph, are diving headfirst into the 2026 offseason with the aim of defending their crown. While General Manager John Schneider has been known for his bold moves, this free agency period has been unusually quiet for the Seahawks.
Until recently, they hadn't signed any external free agents, a rarity shared only with the Broncos. However, they've now added running back Emanuel Wilson and safety Rodney Thomas to their roster.
This low-key approach in free agency is surprising, especially given the future contracts they need to address and the loss of key players like Kenneth Walker, Riq Woolen, and Coby Bryant. The question now is how they will utilize their four picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to bolster their championship-winning squad.
Seahawks' 2026 NFL Draft Strategy: Filling Immediate Needs
Round 1 | 32nd overall: Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
With Riq Woolen heading to the Eagles, the Seahawks have a glaring need at cornerback. The consensus is that they'll target this position with their first-round pick.
Chris Johnson from San Diego State stands out as a prime candidate. Known for his speed-clocking a 4.4 at the Combine-and a 38-inch vertical, Johnson combines athleticism with solid size at 6-feet, 193 pounds.
While he doesn't match Woolen's size, his ball skills and competitive nature make him a likely top choice for Seattle.
Round 2 | 64th overall: Gabe Jacas, DE, Illinois
Addressing the edge is crucial after losing Boye Mafe to the Bengals. Gabe Jacas, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound powerhouse, showcased his strength with 30 bench press reps at the Combine. With DeMarcus Lawrence aging and Uchenna Nwosu nearing free agency, Jacas presents an immediate and long-term solution on the defensive line, fitting perfectly into Seattle's plans.
Round 3 | 96th overall: Kamari Ramsey, SAF, USC
The safety position is rich with talent this year, and Kamari Ramsey from USC could be a strategic pick for the Seahawks. With Coby Bryant now with the Bears, Ramsey’s versatility-having played significant nickel snaps-makes him an attractive option to bolster Seattle's defensive backfield.
Round 6 | 188th overall: Kaelon Black, RB, Indiana
Kenneth Walker's departure paves the way for Zach Charbonnet to step up, but depth is key. Adding Emanuel Wilson was a good start, but drafting Kaelon Black from Indiana could be a savvy move. Coming from a championship program, Black could seamlessly transition to Seattle, offering depth and potential upside with minimal risk.
As the Seahawks navigate the offseason, their draft strategy will be pivotal in maintaining their championship form. With targeted picks addressing key departures, Seattle is poised to remain a formidable force in the NFL landscape.